Bágoa do Miňo Albariňo Lágrima 2019 is one of those wines you can’t stop sipping! It’s a perfect match for a hot summer day!
Most Albariňos are entry-level wines in a price range of $10-15, and for most, they come across almost as a refreshing yet relatively neutral wine with a forgettable personality. Like with many other varietals, it’s worth trying a more complex wine like Bágoa do Miňo Lágrima to get to know Albariňo better.
Why?
As always, the answer is in the more pronounced aromas and distinct flavors. But before we can get to know Albariňo, let’s see where it comes from.
The Region: Rías Baixas DO
Rías Baixas is situated on the Atlantic coast in the northwestern part of Spain and is dominated by a moderate, damp climate.
Ribera do Ulla and Val do Salnés, the areas closest to the Atlantic ocean tend to be cooler, and temperatures seldom reach above 85° F in the summer. Still, the winters are mild, and it rarely goes below 32°F.
The further inland, the climate is closer to continental. In places like Condado do Tea, summer temperatures can reach over 105° F, yet the winters are cold with frequent frosts and rainfall of over 2,000 mm a year.
The moderate dump climate of Rías Baixas naturally is favorable to the white grapes.
According to the historical sources, the Albariño grape story goes back to the 12th century. The grape was introduced to the area by the Cistercian monks of the Monastery of Armenteira. Albariño adjusted well to the local climate and became a defining grape of the region.
The uniqueness of Rías Baixas as a wine region was recognized in 1980 when it was called “Denominación Específica Albariño.” The official status as a Denominación de Origen (DO) was granted in 1988. Why does it matter?
Denominación de Origen is the same thing as French AOC (appellation) or Italian DOC. First, it recognizes that the region has distinct features like climate, landscape, and soils that separate it from other places in the country and the world. It also helps standardize the vine-growing practices and winemaking and elevate the overall quality of the wine in the region.
The standards are established and observed by Consejo Regulador (Regulatory Council), which is based in the city of Pontevedra.
The sub-zones of Rosal and Condado have grown Albariño the longest and developed their own traditional styles of production. On the other hand, the Salnés sub-zone only recently began to produce Albariño, primarily for local consumption.
Winery Story: Bodegas As Laxas
Bodegas As Laxas was established by the Simón Ferro family, who purchased the local property with wine cellars in 1975. While the family was new to the area, the winemaking wasn’t. The wines have been made here since 1862.
The poor (which is a good thing), acidic, sandy, and thin soils of As Laxas vineyards encourage the grapes to develop deep roots searching for nutrition. The resulting wines reflect this unique terroir with its aroma, freshness, and flavors.
At the time of acquisition, the vineyard was had only 2.5 acres of traditionally cultivated vines (pergolas). Following the vision to create premium white wines, the Ferro family expanded the vineyards and combined tradition with modern winemaking.
Over time Bodegas As Laxas grew and now has over 120 acres of estate vineyards. In 1986 the winery spearheaded the effort to establish the Rías Baixas DO. Today, the winery is led by the four sons of the founders, and you can buy As Laxas wine in about 20 countries, with its primary market being the US.
As Laxas produce five different wines: Laxas, Bágoa do Miño, Val do Sosego, Condado Laxas and Semsum Laxas (Méthode Champenoise, 100% Albariño).
Bágoa do Miňo Albariňo Lágrima 2019 Tasting Notes
We sensed pear, lemon peel, white flowers, green beans, lemon candy, orange cream, and marzipan on the nose.
The flavors continue to impress with orange zest, sweet lemon juice, pear, peach, grapefruit, and a touch of almond.
The medium body and acidity help to balance the flavors. The refreshing aftertaste lingers on the palate with orange essence, grapefruit and marzipan.
Food pairings
A rather delicate Albariño character suggests that it would pair best with moderately flavored dishes with low to moderately intense spices. It has a natural affinity (remember it’s from the Atlantic coast) to poached oily fish, shellfish with mild sauces, and pan-seared crab cakes.
Try it with muscles or fancy Oyster Rockefeller!
Another option is sushi and tempura dishes. Just don’t go crazy on wasabi or spicy mayo.
Finish
We were delighted with the quality and the structure of this wine and definitely would recommend it to all Albariño and white wine lovers. Especially if you haven’t tasted beyond entry-level Albariños.
What is your experience with Albariño? Please comment below and leave your Albariño suggestions.